The signs of being an artist
It is always a little embarrassing inviting people over, always prefixed with “sorry about the mess, I’m an artist” hoping that might give a clue to my genius boarding on insanity. While I wouldn’t want to have a white wall pristine work environment I am still thankful I hardly ever have anyone visit. The reactions are usually positive with them looking at all the visual art dotted around on the walls, stacked by the sofa (couch for usa fam) and everywhere you look.
However I often feel I’m not at all organised, probably hurts more because there is some truth in this, I am not as organised as I would like, I don’t have one drawer for that type of paper that I can easily find when I need it. I don’t have pots with different shades of the same colour pencil.
Everything is bulging at the seams and it is easy to be reminded how much art I create vs how much I sell. However today I sold work at the art bus run by circular art space for the first time, breaking the year long lull in original art sales (although last month I sold work, breaking even for the cost of materials at the flea market on donation basis, although really it was a lost because I also had to pay in order to show my work there)
There is so much art here in this small apartment that it is easy to lose sight of where im heading and if I am heading anywhere at all. Even with all the amazing things like upfest.
Chris Shopland’s studio heaving with artwork ready for solo show and in need of organising
However my art is loved and it just takes one, I am in the midst of organising a venue for my solo show in 2025 where all 200, maybe a little less, maybe more, of my paintings will be shown. Each, I hope bouncing off the other’s colours and allowing your eye to dance around the room. There is a correct way and wrong way to present mosaic style curating but hopefully if done right it will be a feast for the eyes and not an overwhelm.
Sometimes I cant help wonder if its all relying on another venue to show my work, however it is community building. Guglielmo who began circular art space as a similar vision for community (it’s a CIC) and is a lovely human, Jos at centre space we’ve enjoyed a back and forth by email and importantly has allowed Ralph my dog to be at the gallery if I need him to be for the 2025 solo.
It is the people we meet and I trust in time I will have a new living space which may offer more options for allowing my work to be seen within the home studio, but until then I need to make do, Ralph wouldn’t cope with too many people visiting anyway, so would need a space thats naturally separate to his living space and by appointment only.
As I near my 37th orbit around the sun, it's natural to ponder if time is slipping away. Yet, countless individuals have shifted gears or witnessed their long-held dreams materialize later in life, echoing my own journey. Seeing my creations appreciated, cherished, and hopefully finding their way to nurturing environments brings solace. Though progress may seem stagnant at times, I remain steadfast on a path where my endeavors support both my health and creativity, reassuring me that I'm headed in the right direction.
It is not for the faint hearted this art career journey.
I have to paint in the sense its an itch, its who I am, and it feels good to create so I do more of it. I just have no idea where I’m to put it all and so I am excited I will at some point be showing it all for one week only likely March 2025 with some interactive spaces (still need to figure that out with the venue) watch this space.
The many creations of an artists, im always inspired by others multitude of paintings stacked next to one another, with each giving energy to the next.
So go out there and create fellow artists and those who love art, go explore the local flea markets, art trails, second hand bookshops and cafes, you never know what you may find from an artist being brave and daring greatly by putting themselves out there.
Dichotomy Of Eyes which sold at the circular art space bus
